London Wasps have strengthened their second row options with the signing of lock, Ed O'Donoghue who has joined from Leinster to fill the gap left by veteran Simon Shaw.

O'Donoghue previously spent two years with Ulster, and has also represented the Queensland Reds and Northampton.

Born in London to Irish parents, he grew up in Brisbane, winning a place in the Australian Under-19 Squad, and played 13 Super Rugby games in 2007 before moving to play rugby in the northern hemisphere.

During his time with Ulster, where he made 45 appearances for the club, the 29-year-old earned international recognition for Ireland A in February 2009 against Scotland A and was included in Ireland’s squad for a tour to New Zealand and Australia.

He made his first Ireland appearance in an uncapped defeat to the Barbarians in Thomond Park and was also selected for a game against the New Zealand Maori.

On signing for Wasps, O'Donoghue said: "Wasps is a great club with a lot of history. With a relatively new group of players and coaching staff, this is a great opportunity for me to be part of a club moving in a good direction."

Wasps Director of rugby Dai Young commented: "Ed has got a lot of experience in some quality rugby environments and he will be a good addition to the squad."